More than 1200 Virginians died in 2017 from an opioid overdose, including fentanyl and heroin, and in the first three months of 2018 the death toll increased more than 30%. At the same time emergency departments reported more than 10,000 visits for opioid and heroin overdoses. Like most of the country, Fairfax County has seen a great uptick in the abuse of prescription drugs, which has made the Operation Medicine Cabinet Clean out partnerships (OMCC) so important. For the 9th year, Fairfax County government, police, grocers and pharmacies have teamed up to host a safe drop off day for unused and expired medications. This year more than 3500lbs were turned back in the annual collection day held on April 28th – a 36% increase.

Fairfax County now has places to drop off drugs in between annual collections. Now people can use the medicine disposal drop box located at the Fairfax County Police Station in Springfield or any of 20 public controlled substance disposal locations. Drug disposal packets are also available at multiple locations around the metro area. This partnership, started in 2009 by OP3, the Fairfax County Police, Community Services Board, Health Department and the Department of Public Works is key to making disposal convenient, confidential and safe. And, at the end of the day the medicine is safely transported to the COVANTA incinerator where they are destroyed, avoiding harmful contamination of soil and water.

Forceful Facts

Companies that Care

Ways to Give

OMCC was so successful it is now replicated throughout Virginia and the country and is held 2 times per year

Benefits of take-back programs include less leaching into our landfills and waterways; lower chances of accidental poisonings and reduced opportunity for abuse by others.

It's estimated that annually 42% of prescription medicines go unused. This equates to roughly 200 million pounds of medicine yearly.

Studies have shown that heroin users first start with prescription drugs, taking that gateway away is key to controlling this epidemic.

Partners make the drop-off safe and secure.... and possible! Thanks to these companies and organizations whose involvement saves lives and the environment.

To return unused or unwanted medicine, visit the Fairfax County Springfield Police Department Check or visit the Take Back collections site near you.